National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko says Nigeria is determined to end the steady loss of talented athletes of Nigerian heritage to other countries, insisting the country must create an environment that convinces elite prospects to represent the green and white.
Speaking during the maiden Nigeria Diaspora Talents Development Committee multi-sport event at the Hertfordshire Sports Village in the United Kingdom, Dikko described the initiative as a long-term strategy to reconnect with talented Nigerians abroad and integrate them into the country’s sporting future.
The event brought together young athletes of Nigerian descent, parents, coaches, administrators and former international stars as part of the commission’s renewed drive to identify and nurture diaspora talent across multiple sports.
Dikko praised athletes who have already pledged their international futures to Nigeria, describing their decision as a sacrifice that deserves greater institutional support.
“I commend you for the sacrifice you have made to feature for Nigeria. Whether you are in the diaspora or at home, as long as you are a Nigerian, you are eligible to play for Nigeria and we are here to provide the enablers for you to succeed,” Dikko said.
“We are committed to doing our best to ensure that our talents are not lost to foreign countries anymore.”
READMORE: Anthony Taylor profile: The career, controversies and legacy of England’s elite referee
The NSC chairman admitted Nigeria has paid a heavy price over the years by failing to properly engage players of Nigerian heritage early enough.
He pointed to Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze and Bayern Munich attacker Michael Olise as examples of players who could have represented Nigeria had a structured diaspora programme existed much earlier.
“If we had done what we are doing now long ago, maybe the likes of Michael Olise, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze would be playing for Nigeria today.”
Dikko said the newly established diaspora programme is designed to ensure such situations become increasingly rare, describing it as one of the commission’s most important talent development projects.
He also credited the Nigeria Diaspora Talents Development Committee, led by Dr. Tunde Adelakun, for organising what he described as a landmark first edition of the initiative.
Morocco provides the blueprint
Dikko revealed that Morocco’s recent rise in international football has reinforced Nigeria’s decision to invest heavily in recruiting players from the diaspora.
According to him, Morocco’s success is closely linked to its ability to identify and integrate footballers born or developed outside the country.
“Morocco won the U-17 AFCON with 100 per cent of players from the diaspora. They won the U-20 World Cup with 80 per cent from the diaspora. At the current World Cup, only three of their players were born in Morocco.”
“So the renaissance you are seeing from Morocco is actually from the diasporans.”
He argued that Nigeria possesses an equally vast pool of talent abroad and should no longer allow that advantage to benefit rival nations.
READMORE: Olopade: Nigeria could have won World Cup with diaspora players
Although football dominated much of the discussion, Dikko stressed that the initiative is aimed at discovering elite Nigerian talent across every sport.
He disclosed that the commission is already integrating diaspora athletes into its grassroots development framework and even hinted they could eventually become recognised participants at the National Sports Festival.
“The diaspora initiative is an integral arm of the commission’s aggressive drive towards developing sports from the grassroots.”
The event also featured exhibition contests and talent identification sessions in football, basketball, netball, golf, taekwondo and table tennis.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
